It Takes a Village: The power of community in eating disorder recovery

We often hear the phrase “it takes a village” when talking about raising children, but the same wisdom holds true in eating disorder recovery. While the healing process is deeply personal, it is not meant to be walked alone. Connection, support, and community are crucial components of long-term recovery.

The Isolating Nature of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and isolation. The more someone struggles, the more likely they are to withdraw—from friends, family, social situations, and themselves. This isolation often stems from shame, fear of judgment, or a belief that no one will understand.

The paradox of this is the more isolated someone becomes, the more powerful the eating disorder voice feels. Loneliness creates a vacuum where the eating disorder can grow louder, offering comfort and control, while simultaneously pulling the person further away from genuine connection and support. It becomes a vicious cycle: the eating disorder encourages isolation, and the isolation strengthens the eating disorder.

Breaking this cycle isn’t easy, but it is possible—and community is one of the most powerful tools for doing so.

The Power of Community in Recovery

Connection challenges the eating disorder in a way that can feel impossible in isolation. When we are seen, heard, and supported by others, it becomes harder for the illness to convince us that the disordered thoughts are true.

A supportive community offers:

• 💬 Validation – knowing others understand your experience can reduce shame and self-blame.

• 🤝 Accountability – safe relationships can gently challenge eating disorder behaviours.

• 🧠 Perspective – hearing others’ stories can shift how you see your own.

• ❤️ Hope – witnessing others further along in recovery can inspire belief in your own journey.

  
  

Community doesn’t "fix" an eating disorder, but it can hold you through the process, remind you of who you are beyond your illness, and offer the emotional safety that supports change.

How to Build a Supportive Community

If you’re feeling isolated in recovery, you're not alone—and you’re not powerless. Here are some ways to begin building or strengthening your village:

• Professional support: Dietitians, therapists and recovery coaches are a key part of your community. Having access to a team that feels safe is a key part of the process.

• Peer support groups: Online or in-person recovery groups can offer a sense of belonging, reduce shame, and connect you with others who understand.

• Trusted friends or family: Access to people who are able to listen, learn, and sit alongside you in the difficult moments can make a huge difference.

• Creative or interest-based groups: Sometimes connection grows more easily outside of the direct context of recovery - e.g. through a book club, art class, or volunteer group. These settings can help to remind us of our purpose beyond the illness and help us to see the value we can bring to others.

  
  

It's Okay to Ask for Help

Asking for help can feel hugely challenging - often it can create a sense of feeling like a burden and individuals often believe they should be able to take the steps alone. But asking for help is not weakness. It’s not a failure. It’s a radical act of courage and self-respect.

We are wired for connection. Healing doesn't mean having all the answers or doing it perfectly, it means allowing yourself to be supported, seen, and held, even when it's uncomfortable.

The Long-Term Impact of Connection

Recovery is not a one-time decision, it’s an ongoing process and the relationships we build along the way help to sustain it.

Long after the meal plans are complete and the therapy sessions end, community continues to offer:

• 💆🏽‍♀️ Emotional resilience

• 💕 A sense of belonging

• ⛑ Protection against relapse

• 🧘🏽‍♀️ A more meaningful, connected life

  
  

Recovery isn’t just about surviving without an eating disorder. It’s about living - fully, freely, and with others. You don’t have to do this alone. You were never meant to.